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Our Team

At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we know all our clients demand high quality care as well as great service.  To meet this expectation, we’ve assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals—doctors, veterinary technicians (many “certified” or CVTs), tech assistants, front desk personnel, kennel staff, and a full-time business manager.

Veterinarians

Dr. Amber Herron, DVM

Owner / Lead Veterinarian

Dr. Amber Herron became lead veterinarian and owner of Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in January 2018. A native Kansan, Dr. Herron has practiced veterinary medicine in Billings and the surrounding area since 2006. She is a graduate of Kansas State University where she completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, then remained at K-State for her medical education, completing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) four years later. Like all our docs, Dr. Herron offers care to a wide range of small animals and pocket pets—everything from dogs and cats and birds to bunnies, chinchillas, and reptiles. She is married and spends her free time with her husband Jim, two children, and operates a Bulldog breeding business on the side.

Dr. Erika Cantamessa, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Erika Cantamessa has been an associate veterinarian with Caring Hands since 2015. She is a native of Wallace, Idaho, and did her undergraduate work at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She received her DVM from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA. Dr. Erika (as she prefers to be called) enjoys reading, crafting and crocheting, long walks, and time with her kids. She and her family have 1 dog, a golden retriever named Bob.

Dr. Erin Maxted, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Erin Maxted joined our team as a DVM after graduating from Iowa State University in 2023. With over a decade of experience working with animals, she also served as a veterinary technician prior to becoming a doctor, gaining hands-on expertise in patient care. Her professional interests include internal and sports medicine, as well as equine and large animal care. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine to further her understanding of the connections between animal health and the environment.
Outside the clinic, Erin enjoys skiing, hiking, and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains. At home, she raises fish and adores her furry family: Misha, a Malamute, Cricket, a terrier mix, and her cats Sassy and Luna. Known for her honesty and passion, Dr. Maxted is committed to delivering thoughtful, comprehensive care to every patient.

Dr. Jessica French, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Coming Soon

Veterinary Technicians

Marcie

Laboratory Lead and Veterinary Technician

Marcie is the clinic’s IV catheter Queen. She is originally from Ogden, Utah, but lives here in Billings with her Husband and two kiddos. Marcie has worked for the clinic since 2012, and is our Lead technician and Pharmacy Manager. She enjoys spending her time off at the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.

Fay

Lead - Client Care Specialist

Fay is a Montana native who came to work for us in July of 2020. She has a background working for grooming and boarding facilities, and has proved to be a huge asset to the Caring Hands family. She likes to spend her time off in the mountains, hiking, riding horses, and taking pictures. When not outdoors, she can be found wandering Gainan’s, or the plant section of Home Depot.

Lara

Lead Tech and Reptile Specialist

Lara is our resident reptile lady! She has worked for Caring Hands since the end of 2017 and has been a technician for the last 2 years. Lara spends her time with her two dogs Raelee and Freya, doing various dog sports, including agility and dock diving, while also running a successful Gecko breeding business! Lara is in school, with a goal to be a Veterinarian. We hope to snag her after vet school!
Seren

Seren

Veterinary Technician

Seren came to us from Red Lodge and has been a fantastic addition to our staff. She spends her free time hanging outside and rock hounding. As well as spending time with her three dogs, Otter, Myrtel and Smalls. She also has two birds Jerry and Sassy.

Maddi Roller

Veterinary Technician

Coming Soon

Operations

Dr. James Herron, PHD

Chief Administrative Officer

Jim is our Chief Administrative Officer for the practice and assumed administrator duties in the spring of 2018. A psychologist by training, we don’t know what we would do without him here at the clinic! He is a retired educator and has been married to Dr. Herron DVM since 2000. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, tending to his chickens, and writing.

Tina Miller

Client Services

Tina was born in Billings and resided here until 1979 then moved to Washington State until her recent decision to move back home to be with her father. Tina is our Client Care Representative we’ve added into our practice. Although she is new to us she has decades of experience in the Veterinary field and can be very versatile in many different areas. She has a very proactive nature and has instincts that help her to quickly make friends with the fearful – anxious – and aggressive pets to help them feel more comfortable for us to help them in whatever manner we are working through. She also has done in home pet care for many decades to add to her experience with many breeds and the health care needs of all life stages and issues our pets can have. Tina only has one cat “Izzy” currently but has had many pets and species of all kinds during her life. Her favorite dog breed is Australian Shepherd. Her soulmate fur friend was her Aussie she had to say goodbye to after 17 years. She loves to cook …working in the yard …being outdoors…and arts and crafts of all kinds and music. Tina is very devoted and dedicated in all aspects of her life and is super excited to continue her career with us.